Books that Inspire Creative Thinking and Environmental Responsibility

“We have not come here to beg world leaders to care. You have ignored us in the past and you will ignore us again. We have run out of excuses and we are running out of time. We have come here to let you know that change is coming whether you like it or not. The real power belongs to the people.” Greta Thunberg

Here is two great books that will inspire kids to be environmentally responsible. The books can be used as a stepping stone for discussions about how to use biomimicry to help us create a more sustainable future.

The books focus on different aspects of saving the planet and taking environmental responsibility.

A Symphony of Whales

This book is based on an actual event. Read about how Glashka and her people come to understand what really matters in life. Glasha disover thousands of whales trapped in a freezing inlet och it is up to her to gather people of her town to help the pod.

A couple of days ago hundreds of pilot whales stranded on a beach in Tasmania, Australia. Use this to further explore compassion and teamwork.

Ada’s Violin

The Recycled Orchestra plays venues around the world, spreading their message of hope and innovation. The true tale of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay sends an important and strong message about recyling.

Ada Ríos grew up in Cateura, a small town in Paraguay built on a landfill. She dreamed of playing the violin, but there was never any option for poor children until the music teacher Favio Chávez arrives. He gave the children instruments made from materials found in the trash. Such a wonderful idea – an orchestra made up of children playing instruments built from recycled trash.

Recycling is a great idea, yet, it is becoming more and more clear that it is not enough.

“More recycling doesn’t always mean more sustainability or less emissions.” Zero Waste Europe

Explore ways that nature uses materials. Natures upcycles rather than recycle materials.

“In nature, one organism’s waste or decomposing body becomes a source of food and materials for other organisms. While we talk about “recycling,” “upcycling” is a more accurate description of what happens in nature.” Biomimicry Org

Photo by Victoria Borodinova from Pexels